The term Overlanding has exploded in the last few years from a definition of exploring wilds unknown to its current descriptor, which is essentially glamping. A quick look onto the most popular builds of Instagram or the vehicle walk-arounds from Overland Web stars like Overland Bound, you will notice a trend.
They brought everything. Everything.
Gone are the days of a simple camp stove, two pounds of bacon in a ice chest and a six-pack of Budweiser. Now it is expected that your ARB fridge is packed to the gills with the finest fixin’s from Whole Foods, and that your roof-top tent is lined with rich Corinthian leather. So why settle for that run of the mill Toyota Tacoma to lug all that weight around when, for just a little bit more, you can see the world in comfort and command a full-size truck through the trails?
For the small downside of a larger vehicle and having to pick off-road trail lines more carefully, you have near limitless hauling capacity, more power than you know what to do with, and exceptional traveling range, thanks to commercial-sized fuel tanks and the availability of more efficient diesel engine options. Additionally, thanks to the added bed space of the full-size truck, you easily have the option to bring more nimble vehicles with you such as dirt-bikes, ATV’s or side-by-sides.
And if you’re willing to sacrifice a little bit of off-road prowess for even more comfort, General Motors, Ford and Mercedes-Benz all offer 3/4- and one-ton diesel van options, as well, for the ultimate in fleet-turned-comfort-camper off-roader.
